Rising fuel prices has domino effect

TROY, NEW YORK – With the usual spike in fuel costs stemming from an exodus of vacationing families more than seven weeks away, some are alarmed at what appears as a premature and significant hike in prices.

In New York state, regular unleaded gasoline costs an average of $2.71 per gallon, an increase of 10 cents in one week, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

That has some groups worried as to where gas prices will be come Memorial Day and beyond. The American Automobile Association considers a further hike inevitable.

“It’s not a prediction; it’s an occurrence.” said Hudson Valley AAA President Robert Seroka.

He noted that, taking into account all factors such as insurance and fuel costs, the average New York motorist pays 52 cents per mile to drive. Despite that, people will not drive less but will cut into other parts of their budget. A driver might opt for a shorter vacation or choose to stay in a cheaper hotel in light of higher gas prices, said Seroka.

“People are not going to stop (driving),” he said. “Mobility is an inalienable right. People won’t sacrifice that kind of thing.”

Troy Record